almost daily severe pain

[auntfufu]

I have this pain in the upper left hand side of my stomach that I thought had to be an ulcer. This pain sometimes goes clear across the top of my stomach and clear around to my back.  Most of the time at the end of the day my stomach is bloated and very tender.  I have had upper GI, Barium enema, colonoscopy, endoscopy, blood tests, CT scan. The enema results said diverticulosas, the colonoscopy said none. The endosopy showed a very mild case of gastritus.  They can't find what is causing this pain. I have had several surgeries in the last 3 years, including removal of my gull bladder. I wonder if my pain couldn't be something with my pancrea.  Sometimes the pain is very severe, and vicodon doesn't even touch it.  Can someone out there tell me how they were tested to see if they had a problem with their pancrea.  I'm tired of being in pain and not knowing why. Sometimes I think the doctor's don't believe me.  I have a very high tollorence to pain and most of the time I do not let pain stop me from doing what I have to do.  There are sometimes that I just can't do it and I stay in bed.  Any advise would be greatly appriciated.

[auntfufu]

Thank you for all your help.  It is really nice to hear from people who understand.

[auntfufu]

Thank you for all your help.  It is really nice to hear from people who understand.

[Lynn28]

Gastritis is a very serious condition if not treated and cared for properly. There's no such thing as a "Mild" case of gastritis. Gastritis is just that...."Inflammation." If this is not cared for properly it can turn into worse conditions. Gastritis is "Very" painful. It will cause you to feel pain all over like you've never felt. To a point that you think there's something new wrong everyday. You will have severe back pain, a deep pain in the pit of your stomach, belching, headaches, etc, etc. The worst thing you could be doing is taking ANY kind of pain killers what so ever, as this DESTROYS the stomach linning and causes gastritis. If continues, it will only make the problem worse. The only way to treat gastritis is by eliminating H-Pylori which causes gastritis. If H-Pylori is not the cause, than it's NSAIDS (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs including, but not limited to, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen, etc.) These drugs continue to be one of the most common drug groups associated with serious adverse effects.

Gastrointestinal:  Dyspepsia, "gastritis", peptic ulcer disease, gastric erosions, hemorrhage.

Gastritis is also caused by too much coffee, cola, alcohol and smoking. I was told 6months ago that I had a case of "mild" gastritis. 6months later, I have "Chronic Gastritis." Your pain is very much due to gastritis! Don't underestimate this condition. Since being diagnosed I've spoken with over 20 people online with the same condition who deal with the same pain on a daily basis. It's no picnic. Diet is key. Bland and frequent meals. Also, a VERY good probiotic. Never let the stomach go empty. Also, finding an atacid (PPI) that works for you. Watch that vicadin (sp) it will only cause your stomach and GI system more harm. As for pancreatitis. A blood test would show this. Have you spoken with your doctor about this? Has he checked? Let me know how you make out. It's a long PAINFUL process, but you'll get there ;)
-Jennifer
                                                                                          

[etphonehome]

No I have not been tested for pancreatitis.  My pain is on left side under rib cage, feels like there is pressure on my ribs.  Sometimes radiates to back and breast area.  Zantac sometimes helps.  Definite swelling.  Doc. ordered ultrasound found nothing where the pain is, however tech. did say that it was not likley they would be able to find anything that high up.  Liver cyst was found at the time.  Doc. said that is not what is causing pain.  Has just told me to come back in 6 months for another ultrasound, I don't think he takes my sideache seriously obviously.  So I guess I will try and find someone that will listen to me, although the pain is not excruciating it is annoying and I would definitely like for it to go away.

[auntfufu]

Thank you for your comment.  Have you been tested for pancreitis.
Please tell me what your symtoms are.   Thanks,

[etphonehome]

Scroll now to May 3rd and read the post pancreatitis, some very helpful info there from others that have had it.  My pain sounds similar to yours.